Stories

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2008 – Marking the 60th anniversary of the integration of the armed services is a reminder of "how far we've come toward living up to our founding ideals and how far we still have to go," said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates at the Pentagon. Story | Video

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2008 - As the Defense Department commemorated 60 years of integration, President Harry S. Truman was remembered for making tough choices: polls taken before the 1948 presidential election showed that 82 percent of Americans opposed Truman's integration plans. Story

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2008 – Today's diversity in the Army and Air National Guard reflects the diversity of the communities its members serve and live in, the National Guard Bureau's equal opportunity and civil rights director said. Story

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2008 - A racially integrated U.S. military is a national strength, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during an interview with the Pentagon Channel. Story

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2008 – Though 60 years have passed since an executive order ended segregation in the U.S. military, today’s servicemembers still have work to do to make the most of diversity in the ranks, the Navy’s top enlisted sailor said. Story

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2008 – The opportunities that all servicemembers enjoy today are the result of people insisting things can be better, the first African-American to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Story

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2008 – Today’s military is stronger and has more credibility in large part due to a presidential decision 60 years ago to integrate the forces, the defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness said. Story

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2008 – In July of 1948, President Harry S. Truman put his election bid in jeopardy by ordering the end of segregation in the U.S. military. His order would create years of turmoil in the services, but also allow the military to lead the nation in civil rights. Story

On this anniversary, we celebrate the legacy of those who refused to allow adversity to diminish their spirit or extinguish their drive to help America live up to its promise of equality for all people.